Rotarians celebrate traditional Songkran Fellowship

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PP Alvi Sinthuvanik and District Governor Onanong Siripornmanut receive blessings and good wishes from a Rotarian.
PP Alvi Sinthuvanik and District Governor Onanong Siripornmanut receive blessings and good wishes from a Rotarian.

Elders revered in the Rod Nam Dum Hua ceremony

Rotarians from the various clubs in the Pattaya and Sattahip area took time off from their busy schedules to celebrate Songkran and perform the traditional Rod Nam Dum Hua ceremony.

Hosted by Nachlada ‘Gaye’ Nammontree, president of the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya, the festivities were held on April 11 at La Cantina in the premises of Expat Car Rental.

The event opened with the auspicious Rod Nam Dum Hua ceremony. Respected elders, District Governor Onanong Sripornmanut, Alvi Sinthuvanik, Peter Schlegel, Peter Cummins, Dr. Otmar Deter, Dr. Margret Deter, François Lecomte and Marlis Wenger were invited to be seated in a place of honour as Rotarians and guests paid their respects by pouring lustral scented water over their hands.

In return the senior Rotarians gave their blessings and wished everyone good health, happiness and prosperity in the New Year.

Children from the Child Protection and Development Centre performed 3 exquisite dances much to the delight of the guests. The children, offspring of Thai and migrant parents, are under the care of Radchada Chomjinda, Director of the Human Help Network (Thailand) who cares and educates the children while their parents are out working at various sites around Pattaya and the eastern region.

The children hold a special place in the Rotarians’ hearts who express their love and care by supporting their wellbeing and education in many ways.

One such worthwhile project is the ASEAN Education Centre, made possible through the support of many local and international Rotarians.

The close cooperation of the Rotary Club Pijnacker-Nootdorp in the Netherlands, the Rotary Club Eastern Seaboard and the Rotary E-Club Dolphin Pattaya International makes it possible to provide funding for the cost of teachers, education equipment, native language schoolbooks and library books and in addition a passenger van for the transportation of the children. In addition the centre also receives contributions from the De Vaan Goosen Foundation in the Netherlands.

David Chappell must be thanked for lending the club his spacious premises and providing delicious food and beverages. All proceeds were given to the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya for use in their humanitarian projects.

The highlight of highlights of the evening was a live performance by Chad and Friends which brought the revelers to their feet and filled the dance floor until late.

It is noted with happiness that this was one of the most meaningful Rotary fellowships ever, combining pleasure, culture and tradition with doing good for the underprivileged children of the world.

PP Dr Olivier Meyer together with one of his lovely daughters pours lustral water on the hands of Peter Schlegel, President of the Rotary Club of Phoenix Pattaya.
PP Dr Olivier Meyer together with one of his lovely daughters pours lustral water on the hands of Peter Schlegel, President of the Rotary Club of Phoenix Pattaya.
Members of the Rotary Club of Plutaluang join in the ‘Rod Nam Dum Hua’ ceremony.
Members of the Rotary Club of Plutaluang join in the ‘Rod Nam Dum Hua’ ceremony.
A group of happy young men enjoying a good laugh just like old times.
A group of happy young men enjoying a good laugh just like old times.
At the end of the show, President Nachlada Nammontree presents a donation to Radchada Chomjinda, Director of the HHN (Thailand) for the benefit of the children.
At the end of the show, President Nachlada Nammontree presents a donation to Radchada Chomjinda, Director of the HHN (Thailand) for the benefit of the children.
Peter Malhotra thanks David Chappell and Nachladda Nammontree ‘Gaye’ for hosting a most meaningful Rotary Songkran Fellowship.
Peter Malhotra thanks David Chappell and Nachladda Nammontree ‘Gaye’ for hosting a most meaningful Rotary Songkran Fellowship.
The Rotary Clubs Dolphin Pattaya International, Phoenix Pattaya and Pattaya Marina also attended in large numbers.
The Rotary Clubs Dolphin Pattaya International, Phoenix Pattaya and Pattaya Marina also attended in large numbers.
Members of the Rotary Club Eastern Seaboard and the Rotary Club of Plutaluang enjoying the party.
Members of the Rotary Club Eastern Seaboard and the Rotary Club of Plutaluang enjoying the party.